What Mothering Truly Means
To men and women everywhere, mothering to me is not gendered. It is the quality of affirming the heart of another being, of attunement that allows another to know they are seen and valued for their being and not their doing.
For Better and For Worse
It is the one year anniversary of my Brother Robert G Wonders sudden death via a massive heart attack.
I am forever changed. My world. Our world is also forever changed.
For Better and for Worse.
Looking at You, Joy!
I am looking at the feathery fingers of purple Mexican Sage bush as riotous in their movement as in their beauty, a contrast to the quiet lavender shed they stand next to. I am not looking at my recently deceased brother’s red tool chest tucked safely inside the shed, but I know it is there.
Ode To Joy…in a Minor Key
Art by: Teri Jonas
On April 22nd, 2022, my youngest sibling, Robert Gerard Wonders said farewell to his life on earth. He experienced a massive heart attack in the restroom at work while two of sweetest human beings surrounded him with love and the sure knowledge that he was held in high regard. Walt, his boss, worked valiantly to bring him back and Steph (the Head of HR) held his hand and supported them both. The paramedics arrived and they too offered substantial effort to change the course of his fate, to no avail. He was gone.
Loss. Unexpected and devastating loss. Shock. Denial. Anger. And tidal grief, these feelings that are so large that they are beyond words, have come and gone from me these past 4 months.
Ode To Joy
Art By: Hilma af Klint
Early this morning my son, Zachary Robert Wonders Dearing, asked me:
“What one thing will you do today to bring yourself joy, mom?”
My son knows my heart is heavy with worry for our world. The war in Ukraine is breaking my heart. The people’s fierce and undaunted bravery juxtaposed alongside their country’s suffering and ruin. I pray. I truly can’t imagine how these people are putting it all on the line, all of them for their Democracy. Zac has taken to asking me this question each day, and it grounds me. It helps me notice and savors the joys in life alongside its agonies.